Although slightly late to the party, Tim Hortons has finally made what appears to be an extremely popular move with coffee drinkers and Timmy’s fans alike. The Canadian staple announced its plans to introduce free WiFi to over 90% of its current locations (2,000 plus), exempting kiosk, gas station and hospital locations.
Quick customer turnover has been a deeply imbedded part of the Tim Hortons experience for some time, with the company priding itself on being a high value and quick stop for good coffee and delicious foods and treats. However, like any good competitor, Tim Hortons has had to adapt to an increasing number of coffee shop attendees who prefer to browse the internet, do work or simply spend time with friends over a hot beverage. The added bonus of course is that the longer people stay within the confines of their local Tim Hortons, the more likely they are to top up their coffees or opt for additional food.
In order to accommodate the introduction of WiFi and the focus on having customers stick around, several locations are being renovated with the addition of comfortable seating and mood-setting fireplaces. The design changes are in line with other competing firms in the coffee business, most prominently Starbucks and McDonalds. Starbucks offers free WiFi in more than 750 locations Canada wide and has done so since July 2010. McDonalds, with their aggressive McCafé push also plan to have internet available at 90% of their 1,400 locations. Tim Hortons also introduced espresso based drinks such as lattes in order to offer their customers more variety in the ever competitive caffeine business.
Tim Hortons free high speed WiFi will be provided by Bell Mobility, a division of BCE Inc. That decision came after 6 months of pilot project locations in Kelowna, B.C., Red Deer, Alta., St. Catherines, Ont., and Barrie, Ont., with Bell beating out other providers for the service agreement. The result is not surprising given that Bell is also the WiFi provider for McDonalds and Starbucks.
Next time you visit your local Tim’s enjoy your coffee and free WiFi.
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